PREVIOUS REPORTING: Ex-Springfield schools ‘tech guy’ accused of inappropriately touching students
“After evaluating all of the evidence in the case, we determined there was not sufficient evidence to proceed with felony charges at this time,” Picek said.
Messages from this news organization to Pennington and his attorney, James Owen, weren’t returned.
Pennington was accused of inappropriately touching two students in classrooms. A police affidavit said the alleged incidents happened during school hours at Warder Park-Wayne Elementary School. It also said, “The (defendant) placed his hand on the side of the child … at two different school locations.”
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Pennington could still face prosecution on misdemeanor charges in Clark County Municipal Court, Picek said.
“I have referred the matter to the city prosecutor’s office for him to determine whether it is appropriate to proceed with any misdemeanor prosecution,” Picek said. “I have not heard yet from their office whether they will be proceeding with any charges or not.”
A message to Springfield Prosecutor Marc Ross was not returned Wednesday.
This news organization filed a public records request for Pennington’s personnel record and found two letters sent to him informing him that he under investigation. The first letter was sent Feb. 9.
“This letter is to confirm your status as being placed on paid administrative leave as of Feb. 9 pending an investigation into improper physical conduct with a student,” the letter says. “You will remain on leave until such time as all investigations into this allegation of misconduct has been closed.”
A letter dated March 20 from Springfield City Schools Superintendent Bob Hill tells Pennington he’s to report to Hill’s office for a termination hearing because “allegations of misconduct have been presented to me relative to improper physical conduct with a student, violations of Springfield City School District policy and violations of the licensure code of professional conduct.”
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Pennington resigned from his position before the termination hearing, a school spokeswoman previously said.
Also in his personnel file was a 2014 evaluation that said Pennington either met or exceeded standards in a number of areas related to his work in information technology, including knowledge of work, skills and safety practices.
Parents expressed concern to this news organization when the allegations first were disclosed.
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